Vanilla Polenta

[kansasgirl]

Most people think of polenta as a savory dish, but it can make increidble desserts. Here is a favorite.

Vanilla Polenta
4 c Milk
pinch of Salt
1 Vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped
1 c Finely ground cornmeal
1/2 c Sugar
1 ts Pure vanilla extract
1/4 c Mascarpone cheese
Mascarpone cheese for garnish
Strawberry preserves for garnish

1.Combine the milk, salt, vanilla bean pulp, and vanilla pod in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
2.Slowly add the cornmeal, stirring constantly, and cook, continuing to stir for 5-7 minutes.
3.Remove the pan from the heat, remove the vanilla pod, and stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Gently stir in the 1/4 c Mascarpone. Allow polenta to sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Serve the polenta warm in dessert dishes topped with a spoonful of Mascarpone and preserves.

 

[mudbug]

kansasgirl, you have the coolest recipes. The problem is I can't decide which to make first, although this one is right on up there.

Many belated thanks for all your input.

 

[southerncook]

Kansas..could I sub for the mascarpone??

 

[kansasgirl]

Hmm. It helps to make it creamy. Maybe cream cheese or ricotta that has been drained very well. Perhaps even well-drained yogurt (yogurt cheese). I have not tried this, but give it a whirl - that is the fun in cooking!. I suppose you could always just leave it out - there is not that much it has lots of great flavor from the vanilla.